Pixelle Renames Industry-Leading Book Paper Brand

Verso Corporation announced the filing of a preliminary proxy statement for a special meeting of stockholders, at which Verso stockholders will consider and vote upon various items related to the proposed and previously announced transaction with BillerudKorsnäs AB. If approved, all Verso stockholders will receive $27.00 per share in cash upon closing of the transaction, representing immediate and certain value at a significant premium. The preliminary proxy statement provides detailed disclosure regarding, among other things, the robust process overseen by the Special Committee, the Special Committee's consideration of indications of value, the fairness opinion received from Rothschild & Co., its financial advisor, regarding the merger consideration and the analysis underlying that opinion, the Special Committee's efforts to seek the best price reasonably available for stockholders, and the Board and the Special Committee's rationale for accepting BillerudKorsnäs' offer as being in the best interests of stockholders.

Sofidel announced the formal opening of its second greenfield plant in the United States, signaling a significant expansion by the company in response to consumer demand. The 1.8 million-square-foot production plant is fully operational in Inola, Okla., leveraging one of the United States’ most recently built paper manufacturing facilities, equipped with state-of-the art technology. The $360 million technologically and environmentally advanced plant is Sofidel’s second greenfield investment in the U.S.. An integrated facility, with its paper mill that transforms pulp into paper and the converting plant that makes the finished product, it can turn out 120,000 tons of tissue annually.

Highlights • Strong performance across the business ◦ Margin expansion in all continuing businesses, supported by good selling price realisation and solid operating performance in challenging conditions ◦ Key capital investments contributing to performance ◦ Total EBITDA including discontinued Russian operations (prior to special items) of €1,170 million, up 65% yearon-year • Around €1 billion of expansionary projects underway, approved or under advanced evaluation – capturing growth in our packaging markets, building on our leading market positions and adding to our strong track record of disciplined capital allocation • Completed sale of the Personal Care Components business for an enterprise value of €615 million, delivering greater focus